Recently The Independent published a ranking of the most eco-friendly operating UK businesses. The Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS), who conducted the survey, considered a variety of practises before making the final selection, including; waste production and water use, management systems, and adjustments related to responses taken concerning climate change. The list was published in ranking order as follows:
1. Kingfisher
2. BT Group
3. Biffa
4. BP
5. Unilever
6. Severn Trent
7. J Sainsbury
8. BSkyB Group
9. BHP Billiton
10. M&S Group
But as the majority of these parent companies are practically unknown to the general public, it is always useful to understand how and why they made the final cut to begin with. So reiterated here is the same list taken from national studies, with some additional information that may help to paint a clearer picture of who these companies really are.
Kingfisher
Parent company of B&Q, the number-one from EIRIS surveys implicates targets for zero waste at stores and exceptional rates of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of timber. The UK DIY-chain sources over 70% of its timber from FSC. The firm also works with WWF and the Tropical Forest Trust on the issues that currently surround timber production. That’s not all. The national retailer also takes an eco-stance over chemicals. Every operating Kingfisher company are required to set action-plans by 2008 that will regulate products containing specified chemicals and remove or substitute them when necessary.
BT Group
BT has exceeded its wholesale estate targets for reducing the use of electricity. It also has achieved significant reductions on water and waste. But it receives its highest praise through signing a three-year contract in 2005 that saw nearly all of BT’s UK electricity come directly from renewable sources.
Biffa
Biffa has stringent carbon management strategies in place and provides waste collection, treatment and recycling services across the UK. One of its efforts to reduce its footprint involves capturing methane from landfill and sewage plants for electricity generation. As well as increasing self-sufficiency in electricity generation, the company aims to advance the use of biofuels for its operating transport vehicles.
BP
Despite negative press over recent months BP was an early critic of the oil industry lobby group, the Global Climate Coalition (GCC). In addition to its work with GCC, in 2005, BP Alternative Energy was established to provide low-carbon power solutions, and a year later BP launched a biofuels cooperation to provide low carbon solution for transport.
Unilever
A central force in Unilever’s business strategy is the proactive methods of environmental sustainability. The consumer goods firm pioneered a zero industrial waste policy, initiated a project to develop an approach towards zero-effluent factories and is rolling out globally applicable agricultural practice guidelines. By implementing a Sustainable Water Initiative (SWI) Unilever took part in projects to develop common pathways to sustainability with a more universal application in mind.
Severn Trent
Severn Trent Water converts the methane and biogases from the digestion of sewage sludge into electricity, using CHP (combined heat and power) units. The utility company also aims to mitigate carbon emissions from operational processes and by switching to an increasing number of renewables it is improving on its self-sufficiency.
J Sainsbury
One of the nation’s favourite supermarket chains is applying a number of viable policies; inclusive of agricultural sourcing, which implement globally functioning standards. Increasing organic products and local food sourcing underpinning targets to increase the amount of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish on sale – MSC implicates worldwide responsible fishing practise.
BSkyB Group
A key player in the Climate Group organisation BSkyB was the first major media company to make a pledge to becoming carbon neutral. Sky already purchases 100% renewable energy in England and Wales.
BHP Billiton
This mining group takes a rather controversial spot, but redeems itself on the fact that since 2004 it has set requisites for full Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) for all its mineral products.
M&S Group
The retailer sources sustainable fish certified to the MSC standard, FSC certified timber for garden furniture and has a policy on packaging, refrigeration and logistics. It recently launched an Ethical Fund.
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Posted under Articles, Companies, Environmental News
This post was written by Ryan Whatley on August 15, 2008